London 2012 Olympic Games - Aussie sailors aim to bash the Poms

The mainstream media down under is getting pretty pumped about Australia's medal chances in Weymouth. Here are extracts from the latest piece from the leading news agency AAP.

London 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition is being held on the waters of Weymouth and Portland where Australia's Olympic sailors are expected to win a record medal haul and should confirm themselves as a golden generation of champions.

Key to their chances are three crews who've been virtually unbeatable over the past 12 months, including on the Games course at Weymouth.

Standing in their way are British crews with a deep understanding of local conditions, backed by boisterous home support.

It should be the Ashes with lifejackets and ropes.

Among those aiming to bash the Poms is Tom Slingsby, who won his fifth Laser world title in May and capped an extraordinarily dominant year by winning his fifth regatta at Weymouth.

He had a shock 22nd-placed finish at the 2008 Games but loves the strong winds in southern England.

'In China I just never felt comfortable. On land, I didn't feel comfortable in the surroundings, the culture, the food,' he told AAP.

Slingsby has a fierce rivalry with Team GBR's Paul Goodison and their clashes should be dramatic.